Former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, 76-years-old, passed away on Friday - according to a statement issued by his family on the icon's official Instagram page.
"Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
"A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.
"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."
Foreman won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
He turned pro in 1969 and won the world heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of then-undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973. The win would also give him the heavyweight title of The Ring. He made two defenses before suffering his first career defeat to Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
Foreman would retire for the first time after suffering a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977.
After ten years of retirement and working as an ordained Christian minister, Foreman announced his comeback.
The Hall of Famer captured a championship for a second time in 1994, when at age 45 he become the oldest man in boxing history to win a heavyweight title with a tenth round knockout of 26-year-old Michael Moorer.
Foreman retired, for the last time, in 1997 at the age of 48, and with a record of 76 wins, 68 by way of knockouts, and 5 losses.
In 2002, he was named one of the 25 greatest fighters of the past 80 years by The Ring, and The Ring ranked him as the ninth-greatest puncher of all time. He was a ringside analyst as part of HBO's broadcast team for 12 years until 2004.
Outside of the ring, Foreman was also well known for the George Foreman Grill, which has sold more than 100 million units worldwide. In 1999, he sold the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million.
Foreman has twelve children - five sons and seven daughters. His five sons are all named George.